Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus is facing renewed scrutiny after a public demonstration in Miami raised doubts about its autonomy. The robot abruptly waved its hands near its head before collapsing, an unusual sequence that users online interpreted as a sign that a human operator may have lost connection rather than an AI-driven malfunction.
The incident appears to contradict recent comments from Elon Musk, who stated that Optimus makes all operational decisions using onboard artificial intelligence rather than relying on remote human control. The mismatch between the demonstration and Tesla’s claims has fueled discussion about the real progress of the company’s robotics program.
The episode adds pressure on Tesla as competition in humanoid robotics accelerates, with investors increasingly focused on verifiable performance. Analysts note that consistency between public demonstrations and corporate claims will be critical for maintaining confidence as the robotics race intensifies.